NFL Injured Reserve: Week 14

While crazy weather, crazy finishes, and as per usual, a few controversial calls may have dominated the headlines through the weekend, the aftermath of week 14 of the NFL season will clearly be the long-term injuries now being confirmed. Patriots All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski has torn his ACL & MCL, and will miss the remainder of the season. Cardinals breakout rookie safety Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL & LCL, and will also be out for the year. Even Vikings running back Adrian Peterson left the weekend battered, and finds himself in a walking boot awaiting MRI results (though initial reports do not sound terribly serious).

Injured Reserve by Position (through Week 14)

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that wide receivers still dominate this list, even with the majority of flags going in their favor in 2013. 44 members of the defensive secondary have hit the IR thus far. Another 44 linebackers have as well. In total , 148 offensive players, 117 defensive players, and 2 special team player are currently out for the season.

Injured Reserve by Team (through Week 14)

The St. Louis Rams have fallen victim to not only key injuries – but expensive ones as nearly 30% of their 2013 cap sits on injured reserve.. Cortland Finnegan (starting CB), Sam Bradford (starting QB), and Scott Wells (starting C) were the #1, #2, and #5 highest cap figures on the team in 2013. The New England Patriots continue to pile up key injuries, and yet have been the benefactor of incredible comebacks to somehow maintain a 10-3 record. Life without Gronkowski for the remainder of the year might change that tune.

At the other side of the spectrum, the Kansas City Chiefs – decimated by injuries in 2012, have remained incredibly healthy through 14 weeks of 2013 (just 1.68% of their cap on IR). The Baltimore Ravens suffered injuries early (and took a beating in the standings as well) but have turned their season around in both regards. The return of starting TE Dennis Pitta from IR/Designated to Return last week proved to be an instant spark to a stale offense at times.